Transforming a Drab Bathroom into a Stylish Loo [No Demo!]

If you've been following along on Instagram, you know I've been working hard to get our basement space ready to host guests on Airbnb (& if not, go ahead and follow me @casadelsoldesigns!).

As I was researching Airbnb setup and hosting tips, one piece of advice struck me: make any design updates to the space before you begin hosting. Otherwise, you'll have to pause your listing for who knows how long while working on the space, missing out on that sweet, sweet revenue.

Bearing that advice in mind, I decided the basement bath needed a makeover before we would be ready to rent out the space - BUT, it needed to be done as cost-effectively as possible to keep expenses to a minimum. So, of course I turned to paint and other DIY solutions to bring back the sparkle to this drab and dingy space. Before I get into the project details, let's take a look at the before photos.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to products, or similar products, I used to complete this space. I earn a small commission on any purchases made through these links. thank you for your support!

Before Photos

The bathroom itself was so dated and bland compared to the rest of the basement, which I turned into a beautiful, Moroccan-inspired suite last winter. Take a look.

Not a very pretty place to do your business, right?

As you can see, the bones in the bathroom are good - but those gray tiles on the floor and in the shower and the pale yellow walls had to go. The finish on the bathtub was peeling and chipping as well, and some fresh decor was sorely needed.

DIY Projects to Transform this Bathroom on a Budget

Like with all my projects, I was prepared to get my hands dirty and try some new things to achieve this makeover as affordably as possible.

First up, I gave the walls a fresh coat of paint in Dark Teal by Benjamin Moore. This is the same color I used in the wet bar/kitchenette in the basement, and now when you sit in the corner of the sofa you can see the dark teal in both spaces, which is such a lovely, cohesive color moment.

Next, I upgraded the vanity light fixture and swapped out the mirror. I also spray painted the towel bar, toilet paper holder and towel hook black. These were the easy projects. :)

The two more complicated projects I took on in this makeover were refinishing the tub and tile surround with a DIY kit, and updating the floors with peel-and-stick floor tiles. Once those projects were completed, it was time for my favorite part: styling! I picked up a couple of items from At Home for decor and towel storage, repurposed a picture frame I already had (with wallpaper from a previous project), and voila! It looks like an entirely new bathroom.

The Reveal

Now it's time for everyone's favorite part of these posts: the reveal!! Come and take a look at this completely transformed space.

Product links: Mirror (similar) | Vanity light fixture | Floor tiles | Hand towel | Paint color: Dark Teal by Benjamin Moore

Product links: Shower curtain rod | Shower curtain (similar) | Amber soap dispensers | Bath mat | Rustoleum tub & tile refinishing kit (I used three kits)

Product links: Wicker basket | Bathroom hardware set | Sun wall decor (similar)

There you have it! For less than $500, I created a beautiful bathroom that feels like it belongs with the rest of the basement. I am really pleased with how this turned out, and I know our guests are going to enjoy it too.

What's your favorite part? I'd love to hear about it in the comment below!

Til next time!

Sam

P.S. Our lovely suite is now available to rent on Airbnb. Check out our listing here for more info!